I’d like to see some IAIS and WSOR trains coming into Chicago - what yard and what routing does each respective railroad take in Chicago? Also, any suggestions on what would be a good time to catch them?
I am not sure about the WSOR but the you can see the IAIS at Joliet and Blue Island .
Do you know what’s a good time to catch IAIS?
I believe that WSOR comes into Chicagoland via CP and Metra (Milwaukee Road North), hangs a right at Pacific Junction, goes out Milwaukee Road West to Galewood or Cragin, and takes the BRC south from there to Clearing. I’m not sure how often this happens, what time of day or week, or even if this is still the route.
(Forum’s not letting me modify the post to my alternate typeface and size!)
That is pretty much the route. Come down the J-line, enter Metra territory at Fox Lake. Enter C&M Sub at Rondout. Usually meet the outbound WSOR somewhere on the double track between Rondout and A-5.
Back in the old days of small trains, could hang a right at A-5, head west to Galewood, then run around the train, to be pointed in the right direction to enter the Belt at Cragin. Galewood and Cragin are pretty much right next to each other.
Trains have gotten bigger, so now the move is to pull down at A-5, and shove back a couple of miles on the Elgin Sub to clear Cragin, being pointed in the right direction to enter the BRC. Conductor then walks up, carrying the tail hose required for such moves. Outbounds pull out at Cragin, then shove onto the C&M Sub, to head north.
Usually 7 days a week, holidays included. Might catch the outbound guy at Clearing during summer when it is light out longer, but most of the trip is during darkness.
Is tower A-5 still staffed?